Question

Organisms which obtain energy by the oxidation of reduced inorganic compounds are called 

• A. Photo autotrophs
• B. Chemo autotrophs
• C. Saprozoic
• D. Coproheterotrophs

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The question asks about organisms that obtain energy by the oxidation of reduced inorganic compounds. Such organisms are referred to as Chemoautotrophs.

Let's examine each option to understand why Chemoautotrophs is the correct answer:

1. Photoautotrophs: These organisms obtain energy from light and use it to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Photosynthesis is the primary process here. Therefore, they rely on solar energy, not inorganic compounds.
2. Chemoautotrophs: These organisms derive energy from chemical reactions, specifically the oxidation of inorganic compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, or ferrous iron. They use this energy to fix carbon dioxide and produce organic matter, allowing them to survive in environments where light is not available, such as deep-sea vents.
3. Saprozoic: This term usually refers to organisms, often protists or some fungi, that obtain nutrients by absorbing dissolved organic material. They do not specifically rely on inorganic compounds.
4. Coproheterotrophs: Not a standard term in biological classification, but heterotrophs, in general, rely on organic substances for nutrition, not inorganic compounds.

Thus, the only correct choice that fits the description of deriving energy through the oxidation of reduced inorganic compounds is Chemoautotrophs. These organisms are crucial for the Earth’s nitrogen cycle and for ecosystems where light does not penetrate.

To summarize, Chemoautotrophs are unique in their ability to utilize inorganic substances to sustain themselves, distinguishing them from other types of organisms that rely on light or organic compounds for energy.